My prediction: the Islamists won't bomb Spain any more, once Spanish troops are off Muslim soil. That is, I'll predict that the Spanish change of strategy works.
Spanish troops were scheduled to leave in July anyway, as that was when it was originally planned to turn over power to the Iraqi IGC.
But secondly, Zapatero has stated that Spanish troops might remain under UN leadership. Thus, in such an event he might have just invited even more attacks against Spanish troops. In any event, he has effectively demonstrated to the Islamo-Fascists (and not the Baathists) that Spain CAN be intimidated.
Thus, in other areas, or even internally, he can expect to see extremist muslims continue with their political extortion in order to extract further gains.
The bottom line is that his words indicative GREAT political naivete. He has painted himself into a political corner and denied himself sufficient flexibility to adjust his policies.
And he has effectively painted the Spanish people as being spineless...
Afterall, as I stated before, Spain had forces in Iraq for the purpose of peace-keeping and rebuilding. They did not participate in the overthrow of Saddam's regime.
Thus, no matter what flag they are operating under, CPA or UNm, they have shown that they can be intimidated.
And I fear they will continue to pay a terrible cost for that appeasement.
Hawk |
